Annual parade and feast is ‘lifeblood of community’

It is a tradition that has been at the heart of the Gawthorpe community for 142 years.

And there is just one day left to wait until this year’s Gawthorpe Maypole Procession and Feast gets underway.

May Queen Chloe Stanley will lead a procession through the village streets with her Maids of Honour and the Yorkshire Imperial Brass Band.

The parade sets off at 2pm on Saturday from Highfield School and ends at the Maypole Field, where there will be performances from the Maypole Dancers, fairground rides and stalls.

There will also be fundraising for a special tea and entertainment for around 100 older people on May 9.

Duncan Smith, secretary of the Gawthorpe Maypole Committee which organises the event, said: “Our celebrations are more than just a tradition – they are the very lifeblood of our community.

“Community traditions like these are precious occasions, which need and deserve our support.

“Each year, the Maypole Dancers perform for us and our local school, Gawthorpe Academy, very generously provides the training and support to the dancers over months of hard work. And our May Queen and Maids of Honour take pride of place at the head of the procession.

“Whether you have lived in Gawthorpe all your life, are new to the area, or are just visiting, we hope you feel very welcome.”